steve, really appreciate your time. >>>. >> other stories we're keeping an eye on this morning, chinese manufacturing activity has hit its fastest pace in a year and a half. the december reading pmi index rose to 51.5 this month. the reading is the strongest since may 2011. and the good news doesn't stop there. it points to continued strength in the new year. chinese shares are up 1.6%. >>> big u.s. banks are reportedly close to a $10 billion settlement to regulators to hold them liable for bad foreclosure practices. nearly 40% of the settlement would go to people who already lost their homes. in february, five banks agreed to a $25 billion settlement. time says 14 are involved in this round of talks. as part of the deal which could come this week, the banks will have to hire independent consultants to go back through their loan records. >>> and a group of private equity firms, including carlisle, would agree to buy duff and seltz for $655 million. the deal gives the company an opportunity to go and shop for higher prices. >>> and secretary of state hillary clinton is in a new york hosp